At times when video games get more and more complicated, simulations tend to focus on realism, pleasing hardcore fans. However, from time to time there’s nothing like a bit of old school fun. You know, the kind you get playing classic games like Super Sprint, Nitro or Overdrive. Or MiniRacingOnline.

Here is a freeware game that starts with a simple idea and manages to fully realize it, never forgetting what makes video games fun. A few flourishes here and there, continuous support and the circuit editor turn it into an accomplished and lasting racing game. Those who scratch its surface will be rewarded with hours of quality gaming.

The player controls the car from a top-down view, everything is crispy clear and intuitive, although somewhat static, and cars are small but nicely detailed. There are even some competent smoke and dust effects. High resolutions are available so that more of the track can be anticipated. In fact, there are quite a few options available, from hardware to control mapping, rules, and even the cars can be tweaked to get better results on track. MiniRacingOnline is not your average free disposable game, there is some customizing to be done and the continuing work of Spanish developers Kotai is making sure things will keep evolving.

Even though we can play alone, it’s not nearly as enjoyable as racing other players. Online is where the fun’s at, with several racers speeding for first place, crashing, being ordered a pit stop, and so on. It’s really fun when you get the hang of it, and the circuit editor, although requiring some practice, is there to provide more and more tracks. Well, if you’re lazy you can always download new tracks from the official website.

There are some issues, however, and not exactly insignificant. For one, the game has a tendency to cause graphical bugs in some configurations, to the point where everything on the screen becomes corrupted. Also, music can get stuck in a loop and consequently get on players nerves.

But if you’re lucky enough to not experience any of those problems, here is a fun game. It’s absolutely old school and extremely fun, and even if it looks and sounds simple, there’s something to it that manages to make it fresh and clever. These races may be mini, but they’re totally recommended.